Lexus range

* What are hybrid cars?
* How do they work?
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05 August 2013

Lexus trades on its hybrid credentials - most models in the range offer a hybrid version. All are powered by a petrol engine and an electric motor.

CT200hThe CT200h is the first Lexus to compete with the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf. It is a posh hatchback powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor which can drive the car on battery power alone for short distances.

When running on battery power, refinement is very good with noise levels kept to a minimum. Once the petrol engine kicks in, refinement is not good at all. Road noise and a wail from the engine interfere.

Inside, the cabin is built from quality materials. All CTs get climate control, bluetooth and alloy wheels.

The CT200h averages 68.9mpg and emits 94g/km of CO2. It starts from £21,995.

GS450hThe GS is Lexus's Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series rival. The hybrid version is the GS450h which combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor that can power the car at low speeds.

A comfortable cruiser, the GS450h is a relaxing way to cover miles. Overall refinement is good, though there is some unneccesary noise from the CVT automatic gearbox.

Inside, the GS is roomy with plenty of legroom for rear passengers. The boot is smaller than you would expect from a car of this size thanks to the hybrid technology. The GS also comes with Lexus's infotainment system that is controlled by a computer mouse-style controller that is overly fiddly and confusing.

The GS450h averages 46.3mpg and emits 141g/km of CO2. Prices start at £44,495.

LS600h LThe LS is Lexus's large luxury saloon that competes with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. It is a refined and high-quality limosine that is supremely quiet, very fast and comfortable.

Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and an electric motor, the LS is no slouch. It gets from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds while averaging 30.4mpg and emitting 219g/km of CO2 - figures that make the LS600h L expensive to run.

The LS is a handsomely equipped car, even in the most basic Luxury trim. There are automatic xenon lights, four-zone climate control, air-conditioned seats and a superb Mark Levinson stereo. The hybrid is only available in long-wheelbase form which means that rear-seat passengers have plenty of room.

Prices for the LS600h L start at £90,636.

RX450hLexus's 4x4, the RX450h, is only available as a hybrid. It is one of the most tax-efficient large 4x4s, spacious and can run on electric power alone for short distances.

Powered by a V6 petrol engine and an electric motor, the RX450h gets to 62mph in 7.8 seconds while averaging 44.8mpg and emitting 145g/km of CO2.

Refinement is one of the RX450h's strongest points. Around town, under electric power, it is eerily quiet. Things remain undisturbed at higher speed making it a relaxing cruiser.

There's plenty of room in the cabin for passengers and the rear seats can be folded easily to carry large loads.